Football React | Chelsea 1 - 2 Sunderland

Chelsea missed the chance to rise into second place after Sunderland scored a 94th-minute winner.

Chemsdine Talbi finished a swift counter-attack from the edge of the box to secure all three points for the visitors.

Author | Lauren W

Stadium | Stamford Bridge

Garnacho's solo goal proved to be the highlight for Chelsea, who struggled to find creativity despite the apparent abundance of attacking flair.

Back-to-back victories against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest had brought Enzo Maresca's side within three points of second place, yet they failed to perform like a team with a genuine chance of closing the gap on league leaders Arsenal.

Their display suggested a lack of cohesion and urgency, leaving questions over whether the Blues can maintain a sustained challenge at the top of the table.

Super Local Sports News | North East | Premier League | Chelsea 1 - 2 Sunderland

More reaction to come...https://t.co/3tJ5UExzTo

— SNA (@Super_Affili4te) October 26, 2025

The best reaction 

Aaron: One step forward and two steps back. We simply do not have the talent to break down teams who sit deep. Our inconsistency is striking. It takes me back to the late 1990s when we could perform against the big sides but struggled against the lesser teams. There is also a clear lack of leadership. Where are the Terrys, the Lampards, and the Drogbas?

Mikey: A disappointing performance. Possession counts for little if you cannot create chances. Sunderland defended resolutely, but we lacked creativity. Our play was slow and predictable, and we were rightly punished in the closing stages. This was a game we should have won comfortably.

Alvin: The squad is full of talented players, yet the manager appears unable to get the best from them. His style is not working and there seems to be no alternative plan.

Rodney: After a strong display against Liverpool, we are back to the old ways. The manager offered the usual uninspiring excuses. There are so many gifted players, yet the team cannot find cohesion. Perhaps this is down to managerial issues. Maresca should take a look at himself.

Johnnie: Fully deserved win for the Mackems. Chelsea started well but quickly ran out of ideas. It is astonishing that after spending just under £2 billion, the club still needs a goalkeeper, a solid centre-half, and a top striker. Recruitment has been shocking.

Lydia: Sunderland were everything Chelsea were not: well organised, disciplined, and with every player knowing their role in the team. Chelsea looked like 11 individuals who had just met in the dressing room. The three points were thoroughly deserved. We were a complete mess, and it raises the question of whether Maresca is the right man to take us forward.